As a follow-up to a blog post we wrote last year called “How to Start a Profitable Recycling Business,” we are pulling together some resources and tips for recycling entrepreneurs and professionals. We hope that these resources can be a benefit to you as you are starting a new recycling business or expanding your existing recycling business.
Recycling businesses are good for both our environment and our economy. Sweden, for example, has made recycling into a significant business for their country. By reducing waste, recycling more, and converting their trash into energy, they have reached a astonishing 99% recycling rate. Having a profitable recycling business takes some planning, insight, and of course, capital.
Start with your Local Waste Departments
When starting a new recycling business, it is a good idea to start networking with your local economic development departments for possible funding opportunities and incentives. You will also want to talk with your local waste and public work departments to get familiar with required licenses, bidding processes, and local rules for collecting recyclables. Recycling rules can vary in different regional areas, as well as for residential areas, businesses, and government agencies. Also, what recycling facilities will buy your recyclables?
Financing your Recycling Business
For many entrepreneurs, financing can be a barrier, and the recycling industry is no different. The ever-changing recycling market and technologies can also add to the difficulty. There are sources of capital and investment resources available for people who want to start a new recycling business or expand their current recycling business. Capital is needed for recycling companies to grow and buy or rent new needed equipment, improve facilities, start marketing campaigns, and so on.
A Business Plan for your Recycling Business
The most important part of securing funding to start or expand your recycling business is to have a solid business plan. This plan should include what funding is needed for the different areas of growth.
When creating your Business Plan, document your business strengths as a recycling company and include your missions and history, management team, marketing, operations, current financing and upcoming needs.
In-Depth Resources for Recycling Entrepreneurs
A Financing Guide for Recycling Businesses: Investment Forums, Meetings and Networks
This 78-page PDF from the US Environmental Protection Agency offers extensive resources, such as recycling business planning, business finance strategies, recycling investment forums, and network and association directories.
This 78-page PDF from the US Environmental Protection Agency offers extensive resources, such as recycling business planning, business finance strategies, recycling investment forums, and network and association directories.
Why and How to Start a Recycling-Based Manufacturing Enterprise
This short PDF from the US Environmental Protection Agency explains why so many opportunities exist for small business development in recycling-base manufacturing. Almost any product today can be made out of recycled materials. There are many state and local incentives that exist to assist manufacturers using recycled materials.
